The Romanian delegation, led by ANCOM President Valeriu Ștefan Zgonea, participated in the session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council held in Geneva, an essential meeting in preparation for the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26). The Romanian delegation also included Ciprian Rus, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
Bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ITU Council
On this occasion, the ANCOM delegation had a series of high-level bilateral meetings with ITU officials and representatives of other administrations. These discussions took place in the context of Romania’s launching its candidacy for a new mandate in the ITU Council (for Region C, 2027-2030), with the aim of building and consolidating international support ahead of the PP-26 elections.
Thus, the President of ANCOM met with Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (Japan’s candidate for a new mandate) and Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (Zimbabwe’s candidate for a new mandate). On both occasions, he reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to actively support ITU initiatives.
The ANCOM delegation also held bilateral discussions with ministerial-level representatives from the USA, France, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with a primary focus on garnering support for Romania’s candidacy to the ITU Council.
Official meeting with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin
The President of ANCOM also met with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, in the context of Romania’s candidacy. The discussions highlighted the strong partnership between Romania and the ITU, as well as the country’s firm commitment to the Union’s mission. Romania’s ability to facilitate consensus and dialogue was also emphasized – as already proven during its successful tenure as Chair of the ITU Council for the 2025–2026 period.
The meeting reconfirmed Romania’s position as a proactive partner, ready to support the Secretary-General’s initiatives on equitable access to digital technologies and to contribute to strong leadership within the Union.
Romania within the International Telecommunication Union
Romania has a constant and active presence within ITU structures, participating in Plenipotentiary Conferences, Council sessions and World Conferences, as well as in working groups, seminars, study groups and other working formats across the Union’s three sectors: Radiocommunication, Standardization and Development. Between 2018 and 2024, Romania coordinated European common positions and proposals both at the ITU Council and at World Conferences of the Union, as co-chair of CEPT – the regional telecommunications organization for Europe recognized by the ITU.
Romania’s chairing the ITU Council, between 2025 and 2026, has strengthened its image as a proactive and professional member state, built over time through eight consecutive mandates in this forum. The Council brings together representatives of 48 Member States, elected from all regions of the world, and is the forum responsible for overseeing the Union’s activities between Plenipotentiary Conferences, including reports on ITU’s strategic and policy planning, coordination of work programmes and approval of the Union’s budget and finances.
About the International Telecommunication Union
Established in 1865, the International Telecommunication Union currently brings together 194 member states and more than 1,000 partner organizations. As the United Nations specialised agency for digital technologies, it plays a key role in harmonising the use of radio spectrum, satellite orbits, telecommunications infrastructure and standards, at a global level. Through initiatives such as Connect 2030, the ITU aims to ensure digital inclusion, innovation and universal access to digital services. Romania became a member of the organization in 1866, just one year after its establishment. With a history of over 160 years, ITU remains a trusted reference for innovation and collaboration, continuing to shape a future where technology serves everyone.
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